The Confederation of Passenger Transport, which represents bus and coach operators in Britain, has made their concerns known regarding the implementation of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs). In a letter to The Times Of London, they expressed that local councils are not doing enough to ensure that LTNs do not have a negative impact on bus services. This marks the first time that bus operators have publicly challenged the way LTNs have been put in place.
Alison Edwards, the director of policy at the confederation, emphasized that collaboration between local transport authorities and operators is necessary to safeguard bus services from the adverse effects of LTNs. She also stressed the importance of considering passengers’ needs, particularly those who rely on buses to stay connected with their community.
The letter further stated that LTNs can be beneficial for local communities, but only if they are planned in conjunction with viable options for active travel and public transport. The conflict surrounding LTNs has been demonstrated by examples like the Streatham Wells LTN, where bus services have been dramatically slowed down, causing inconvenience for residents.
The concept of a “15-minute city,” where residents can access amenities within a 15-minute walk, has been associated with LTNs. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impacts of such initiatives on personal freedoms and government control. These issues have also been echoed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has expressed opposition to what he referred to as “hare-brained schemes” like LTNs and blanket 20mph speed limits.
For instance, the rollout of LTN measures in Bath has led to divisions within the community, with residents and political figures raising objections to the impact on public services and transport. Transport Secretary Mark Harper has suggested the need for a review of controversial or unpopular LTNs, indicating a broader debate about the implications of these measures.
In light of these developments, questions have been raised about the compatibility of LTNs with the functioning of bus services and the considerations for passengers’ accessibility. The impact of LTNs on bus services continues to be a point of contention, and the effectiveness of these neighborhood schemes remains to be thoroughly evaluated.